Field Guide for NZ? (1 Viewer)

[jimmyjames]

Is there a definitive field guide?

 

[Tanager]

The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Robertson and Heather is good and has a little on where to see birds in New Zealand.

I've been twice now and love it there - good birding.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[jimmyjames]

Thanks Mark

 

[Fernbirds NZ]

Birds of New Zealand Locality guide by Stuart Chambers. This book has maps and a where to find description for each bird. If you are in the south of the south island look us up- www.fernbirds.co.nz

 

[Pluvius]

Go to www.newzealandbooks.co.nz. I bought The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds from them its a photographic guide, which worked for me.Go to natural history then birds.I live in uk and received it within ten days.

 

[lucytoo]

I agree with Mark, I have a few NZ field guides, and I definately like the Robertson and Heather Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand the best.

New Zealand is a fantastic place to travel and bird - although if you want to see natives, not exotics, it is definately best to spend a lot of time on islands!

 

[Fernbirds NZ]

new field guide

There is a new field guide just published for NZ "Where to watch birds in New Zealand more than 30 of the country's best birding locations" by Kathy Ombler

 

[jimmyjames]

Thanks everyone. I'll get the handbook by robertson and heather and probably the location guide by Kathy Ombler. Am looking forwaed to coming over.

J

 

[BobTag]

Thanks everyone. I'll get the handbook by robertson and heather and probably the location guide by Kathy Ombler. Am looking forwaed to coming over.

J

Hi there Jimmy,

I spent a month in NZ (South Island and Stewart Island) last December, and highly recommend it - it's a fantastic place.

As has been said, the best fieldguide by a mile is the Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Robertson and Heather. For birding in the field make sure you get the small soft-back version rather than the larger handbook version (which I'm not sure is still available?).

If you're going to do a lot of sea-birding (spending time in Kaikoura?) you might want also to get and take the new softback Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World by Onley and Scofield. This is right up to date, where as Robertson & Heather isn't, especially on Albatross taxonomy.

I did take Stuart Chambers' bird finding guide, but personally didn't find it that useful, as it's a little generic and out-of-date. A good set of current and detailed trip reports from the internet might be better - they worked better for me.

If there is any specific gen you can't find, PM me & I'll help if I can.

B

PS - Hi there Ian/Jenny (not sure who is typing!). I visited Bushy Point last December and enjoyed both your South Island Fernbirds, and your hospitality. Hope all is well on the reserve, and continuing good luck with your project!

 

[jimmyjames]

Hello,

I'll be haeding to CHC on Tusday 11th Dec and hope to do some sea birding out of Kaikora before Xmas. I'll search for some trip reports soon but in the meantime if someone could give me some advice on some must-do birding sites then I'd appreciate it

Cheers

James

PS Is it easy to get a good field guide for Fiji in NZ?